Panasonic 3D1 vs Pentax K-5 IIs

Below, we will be reviewing the Panasonic 3D1 versus Pentax K-5 IIs, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There is a large difference between the image resolutions of the 3D1 (12MP) and K-5 IIs (16MP) and the 3D1 (1/2.3") and K-5 IIs (APS-C) possess different sensor dimensions.

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The 3D1 was unveiled 19 months prior to the K-5 IIs which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. The two cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic 3D1 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-5 IIs being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting straight into a full comparison, below is a concise view of how the 3D1 grades versus the K-5 IIs when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1 & Pentax K-5 IIs. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic 3D1 Gallery & Pentax K-5 IIs Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to carry your camera, you're going to have to factor in its weight and size. The Panasonic 3D1 has got outside measurements of 108mm x 58mm x 24mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 0.9") and a weight of 193 grams (0.43 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-5 IIs has specifications of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") along with a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic 3D1 versus Pentax K-5 IIs in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are working with at that moment. Following is the front view physical size comparison of the 3D1 compared to the K-5 IIs.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the 3D1 and K-5 IIs is 93 and 60 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very difficult to imagine the difference between sensor sizing simply by looking at technical specs. The graphic underneath will offer you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the 3D1 and K-5 IIs.

As you can tell, both the cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The 3D1 with its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field more challenging and the Pentax K-5 IIs will give extra detail having an extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The older 3D1 is going to be behind in sensor tech.